Play Here

Whether you are visiting the health department for services, live nearby, or are just looking for a place to play, everyone is welcome to enjoy the fun play space in the courtyard outside the Washtenaw County Human Services Building. Play features include a farmers market cafe, topsy turny spinner, accessible 4 person seesaw, learning wall, and musical instruments. Visitors can also take a book or share a book from the two little free libraries- one in the courtyard and one next to the bus stop on Towner Street.

About the Project

The Washtenaw County Health Department was thrilled to be a winner of the 2019 KaBOOM! Play Everywhere Challenge. The Play Everywhere Challenge is offered by KaBOOM!, the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve through great, safe places to play, and supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

In an effort to make our Human Services Building more welcoming, and to help families claim and play in the space, the project - named Play Here: Play Together created a bright, interactive play space promoting physical activity and health. The goal was to transform the way we all think about and interact with our public space and services.

The Health Department worked with many partners on this project, including the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Office of Community and Economic Development and Community Mental Health, the City of Ypsilanti, and County administration and facilities.